N.Palanirajan v. The State Be The Inspector Of Police,

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 09-04-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE C.KUMARAPPAN N.Palanirajan ..Petitioner(s) Vs The State by The Inspector of Police, PEW Police Station, Thiruvannamalai.

Crime No. 56/2026.

..Respondent(s) Criminal Original Petition has been filed under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, to enlarge the Petitioner on bail in the event of his arrest in respect of Crime No.56 of 2026 on the file of the Inspector of Police, PEW Police Station, Thiruvannamalai, pending investigation and thus render justice.

For Petitioner(s):

Mr.K.Mohanraj For Respondent(s):

Mr.P.Dhileepan Government Advocate (Criminal Side)

ORDER

The petitioner, who apprehends arrest at the hands of the respondent police for offences punishable under Sections 4(1)(i) and 4(1)(A) of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition Act, 1937, as amended by the Tamil Nadu Prohibition (Amendment) Act, 2024, in Crime No. 56 of 2026 on the file of the respondent police, seeks anticipatory bail.

2. The case of the prosecution is that on the day of the alleged occurrence, acting on specific intelligence regarding the illegal selling of liquor, the respondent police conducted an inspection. During the course of the operation, the petitioner was found to be in illegal possession of 150 bottles of liquor. Hence, the case.

3. The learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner is in no way connected to this case and has been falsely implicated. He further submitted that the petitioner has not committed any offence as alleged by the prosecution. Hence, he prays to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner.

4. The learned Government Advocate (Crl. Side) appearing for the respondent police, while reiterating the prosecution case, strongly opposed the grant of anticipatory bail. He submitted that the petitioner was found transporting and selling liquor bottles which was found by the respondent police and that the investigation is still pending. He further contended that if the petitioner is released on anticipatory bail, there is a high likelihood that he may abscond or continue to commit similar offences in the future, thereby hindering the investigation.

5. Considering the fact that the case involves a prohibition offence, which has serious ramifications and a detrimental impact on society, and taking into

account that the seizure of a substantial quantity of 150 liquor bottles suggests involvement in organised illegal trade rather than mere possession for personal consumption, this Court finds it necessary to unearth the network behind such illegal transportation. Accordingly, this Court is of the opinion that custodial interrogation is necessary for an effective investigation. Consequently, this Court is not inclined to grant anticipatory bail at this stage.

6. Accordingly, this Criminal Original Petition is dismissed. 09-04-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Jeni To 1.The Judicial Magistrate-I, Tiruvannamlai.

2.The Inspector of Police, PEW Police Station, Thiruvannamalai. 3.The Public Prosecutor, High Court of Madras, Chennai.

C.KUMARAPPAN, J.

Jeni 09-04-2026